Would Reduce Risk Of Addiction
At the start of the legislative session, State Sen. Joseph P. Addabbo announced his support of raising the minimum age to gamble at a casino in New York State from 18 to 21.
With Gov. Andrew Cuomo formally initiating the legal process toward a constitutional amendment that would legalize full casino gaming (such as table games like roulette and baccarat) across the Empire State, Addabbo believes that it is also the time to address the issue of the age of customers in gaming facilities.
The senator wants to raise awareness of the pitfalls of gambling and promote legislative support in Albany for raising the age to legally gamble at a casino to 21. Currently, anyone 18 years of age or older can place a bet at casinos and other legal betting facilities across the state.
“I believe the time is right to address the issues of gambling through raising awareness and legislation,” Addabbo said. He noted that he has met with a number of individuals who represent organizations that have programs attending to social problems associated with all types of gambling.
Last week, Addabbo discussed the issue with Genting New York, operators of the Resorts World New York casino at Aqueduct Racetrack, and was informed by personnel that the gaming outfit has an internal program for its employees and displays infor- mation on gaming addiction for its customers throughout the casino.
“Our economy hinges on winning the future. For America to own this century, we must provide our younger residents with the conditions to excel academically and professionally in order to create the next Google and or invent the next critical piece of technology that revolutionizes the way people live,” the senator said. “To do this, young people must have the opportunity to study in advanced fields of science and mathematics. With college costs continuing to grow, it is vital to provide a firm financial foundation for scholars to become the next entrepreneurs.”
Raising the legal gambling age from 18 to 21 would remove impediments that may distract from or curb success among youths, the senator claimed. While gambling proves the allure of easy riches, he observed, the reality is that high school- and college aged individuals are more likely to develop a pathological obsession with gambling similar to alcohol abuse.
According to a study published a few years ago by the Council on Alcoholism and Addictions of the Finger Lakes, “Raising the Gambling Age to 21 in New York State,” the earlier in life a person begins gambling, the more likely it is that they will experience symptoms that correlate with pathological gambling.
Research has shown that gambling at a young age is a trigger for alcohol abuse, drug use and criminal behavior later in life. Moreover, youngsters are more inclined to gamble than older individuals in games such as cards, dice and pool.
According to Youth Gambling International, young adults between 18 and 21 are three times more likely to have problems associated with gambling. Addiction professionals point to delaying the exposure of young people to problems as a means of prevention. Making the gambling age 21, Addabbo stated, would ensure that there is a smaller likelihood that the youth in the state will develop gambling addictions.
The prospect of thousands of young gambling addicts would place undue burdens on families and friends at a time when New Yorkers are recovering from a harsh recession and need to be investing wisely and preparing for the future, Addabbo said. Addiction would also place unnecessary financial burdens on the state, which is obligated to aid citizens in need.
If raising the minimum age to gamble is not realized, the senator noted, New York will be one of only six states that allow for statewide gambling of all kinds and in all places at the age of 18.
“Our state’s Constitution must be amended over two consecutive legislative sessions and then a deciding vote, via the people’s vote on a referendum ballot, must also provide public assent before full casino gaming can operate in the state,” Addabbo said. “Since we have a few years before that is likely to happen, it gives us enough time to be more responsible by raising awareness to avoid youthful gambling addictions. I will continue to meet with all interested parties to address this serious issue.”
For more information on the social issues related to gambling, call Addabbo’s Middle Village office at 1-718-497-1630 or his Howard Beach office at 1-718-738-1111.
